HARTLEPOOL United chief executive Russ Green believes both the League One club and Billingham Town will benefit from the cash they have injected into transforming the pitch at the Ron Greig Stadium.

Pools have ploughed over £120,000 into the Northern League club, where they have played reserve team football for several seasons, to give its playing surface a complete overhaul.

Once finished, the pitch will be a carbon copy of Pools’ award-winning surface in terms of both quality and size, with features including a new drainage and sprinkler system.

Green reckons the project, which will be in place for the 2007/08 season and will host an opening friendly between the sides, will have extended benefits for both parties and proves Pools’ ambitions as a progressive club.

“It’s a massive investment and a progression with what we have done at Victoria Park,” he said.

“It’s a long-term commitment. In the past we have loaned players out to the likes of Newcastle Blue Star, now hopefully we can bring players on through reserve football and by sending them to Billingham Town.

“And it’s not a Big Brother scenario. We’ve got a great relationship with Billingham Town, have worked closely with Stockton Council and it’s a long-term partnership that can benefit both clubs.”

Part of the investment is also going towards a complete refurbishment of the dressing rooms, including a new shower system and disabled toilet.

“We are absolutely delighted with what Hartlepool have done,” said Billingham Town chairman Tom Donnelly.

“They are a smashing club and the people we are working with are fantastic.

“It means we are on par now with Billingham Synthonia’s relationship with Boro and we will have a surface as good as the Riverside next season.”

Northern League runners-up Town have also received a £60,000 grant from the Football Foundation to improve their car park.